John Deere Waterloo is partnering with the City of Waterloo Leisure Services Commission to make transformational improvements to Gates Park. Their approval of a $500,000 grant will give a major boost to this project which will include a new inclusive playground, spray park, basketball facilities, amphitheater, soccer field, skating, and more.
Mindy Schmidt, Community Relations Manager for John Deere Waterloo said “John Deere is focused on making investments that empower the most vulnerable and marginalized families and youth in our home communities. We feel the amenities in the Gates Park Master Plan will have a significant impact in the heart of a neighborhood that we care a lot about. It will also provide recreation opportunities for youth, free alternatives for families to gather, and will improve the overall beautification of the neighborhood”.
Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart said “The Gates Park project will be the largest park investment in the history of this city. It will transform the over 65-acre green space into an inclusive destination for all to enjoy. We appreciate John Deere investing in meaningful ways in our community.”
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director said “We are heartened to have the full support of John Deere Waterloo as we move forward with the many transformative improvements at Gates Park. The positive impact of the new Gates Park will be felt throughout the community. This grant gets us much closer to meeting our goal of $17.5 million for the Transforming Gates and Byrnes Parks Project. It is truly amazing to see the broad base of financial support for this project in our community”.
John Deere joins many others in supporting this project, with over $14.5 million in funds currently committed. Black Hawk County Gaming Association kicked off the campaign with their largest ever grant. Other funders include R.J. McElroy Trust, Otto Schoitz Foundation, Pauline R. Barrett Foundation, Northeast Iowa Community Foundation, Max and Helen Guernsey Foundation, Young Family Foundation, Ike Leighty Fund, Ross Christensen Family Foundation, Black Hawk County Supervisors, VGM Group, Inc. Waterloo RAGBRAI Committee, VGM Employee Fund, Waterloo Kiwanis Club, and many individual donors to the “Make a Splash” campaign at the Waterloo Community Foundation.
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